Panel for constructing a child&#39;s playhouse and a child&#39;s playhouse incorporating the same

ABSTRACT

A panel and method for constructing a child&#39;s playhouse. Each panel defines a pair of spaced apart slits in the top and bottom sides thereof. Panels are interlocked by positioning one panel vertically above another and at an angle relative thereto. The top panel is moved downwardly so that a slit in the bottom side of the top panel enters a slit in the top side of the bottom panel. Some panels include apertures which form windows and doors. Panels are rearranged to form differently configured playhouses. Individual playhouses connect to each other to form modular playhouses. A kit includes a blank of full-sized panels and a blank of miniaturized panels. The miniaturized panels are used to plan and build a miniaturized playhouse and the pattern of that playhouse is followed in the building of the full-sized playhouse.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/536,111, filed Sep. 19, 2011, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to playhouses for children. More particularly, this invention relates to playhouses that may be constructed quickly and easily. Specifically, the invention is directed to a panel useful for constructing the walls and roof of a child's playhouse, a child's playhouse incorporating the panel and a method of constructing the playhouse.

2. Background Information

Children love to play in child-sized houses and in the past a wide variety of playhouses have been disclosed in the art. Typically these houses are constructed from wood, plywood or plastic sheets which form the walls and roof of the playhouse. In the case of plastic playhouses, each wall is comprised of a single plastic sheet and then the sheets are secured together along their edges to make the exterior shape of the playhouse. The roof is then attached to the top edge of the vertical walls. Plastic playhouses may come preassembled or are provided with instructions to the user as to how to secure the various walls and roof sheets to each other. Wooden playhouses may be built by constructing individual walls and then securing the walls together. Each wall is made by building a frame and then securing individual planks to that frame. Alternatively, each wall may be comprised of a single sheet of plywood that is secured to a frame and then the walls are secured together. Once the walls have been joined together, a roof is secured to the top of the walls.

One of the features of previously known playhouses is that there is only one way of putting the playhouse together and once the playhouse is built it stays in that configuration.

There is therefore a need in the art for a child's playhouse that is readily and easily constructed, but which can be quickly and easily be changed to a different configuration, and which can be readily added to as desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a panel for use in the construction of the walls and roof of a child's playhouse, a modular playhouse incorporating two or more of the constructed playhouses, a method of assembling the same; and a kit which includes a miniaturized blank of miniaturized panels which is able to be used to design and build a miniaturized playhouse, the pattern of which is then followed in the building of the full-sized version.

The panel in accordance with the present invention includes a front surface, a back surface, a top side extending between the front and back surfaces, a bottom side extending between the front and back surfaces and opposite the top side, a left end extending between the top and bottom sides, a right end extending between the top and bottom sides and opposite the left end; and a pair of spaced apart first slits defined in the top side of the panel. Each slit extends downwardly into an interior of the panel and between the front and back surfaces thereof. The first slits interlockingly engage with a lower region of a second panel disposed above the panel. The panel further includes a pair of spaced apart second slits defined in the bottom side of the panel. Each slit extends upwardly into the interior of the panel and interlockingly engages an upper region of a third panel which is disposed below the panel.

The child's playhouse in accordance with the present invention includes a front wall, a back wall disposed opposite the front wall, a first side wall extending between the front and back walls, a second side wall extending between the front and back walls and disposed opposite the first side wall; and wherein each of the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side walls are constructed from a plurality of panels that are releasably engaged with each other; and wherein each of the panels includes a front surface, a back surface, a top side extending between the front and back surfaces, a bottom side extending between the front and back surfaces and opposite the top side, a left end extending between the top and bottom sides, a right end extending between the top and bottom sides and opposite the left end; and a pair of spaced apart first slits defined in the top side of the panel. Each slit extends downwardly into an interior of the panel and between the front and back surfaces thereof. The first slits interlockingly engage with a lower region of a second panel disposed above the panel. The panel further includes a pair of spaced apart second slits defined in the bottom side of the panel. Each slit extends upwardly into the interior of the panel and interlockingly engages an upper region of a third panel which is disposed below the panel. At least some of the panels define apertures therein that are able to be used as windows and doors for the playhouse. The roof is constructed of a panel that includes fold lines which allow it to be folded into a generally inverted V-shape and then engaged with an uppermost end of two of the top panels of two of the opposing walls of the playhouse.

The modular playhouse in accordance with the present invention is constructed by interlockingly engaging two or more playhouses defined above. Each playhouse is built using the following steps:

-   -   building a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a         second side wall; and     -   engaging a roof therewith; and wherein the step of building the         front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side walls         further includes the steps of:     -   a) positioning a first and second foundation panel onto a ground         surface so that a bottom side of each of the first and second         foundation panels is in contact with the ground surface;     -   b) positioning a first wall panel so that it will extend between         the first and second foundation panels;     -   c) moving the first wall panel downwardly toward the first and         second foundation panels so that a first slit on a bottom side         of the first wall panel enters a first slit on a top side of the         first foundation panel, and a second slit on the bottom side of         the first wall panel enters a first slit on a top side of the         second foundation panel;     -   d) moving the first wall panel downwardly until no further         movement is possible;     -   e) positioning a second wall panel so that it will extend         between the first and second foundation panels a spaced distance         from the first wall panel;     -   f) moving the second wall panel downwardly toward the first and         second foundation panels so that a first slit in a bottom side         of the second wall panel enters a second slit in the top side of         the first foundation panel, and a second slit on the bottom side         of the second wall panel enters a second slit in the top side of         the second foundation panel;     -   g) moving the second wall panel downwardly until no further         movement is possible;     -   h) repeating steps b) through g) until the front wall, back         wall, first side wall and second side wall are of a desired         height.

The present invention further comprises a miniaturized playhouse that is comprised of a plurality of miniaturized panels. The miniaturized panels are substantially identically configured to the panels used to construct the playhouse and are interlockingly engaged with each other in a substantially identical manner to the playhouse panels. The miniaturized panels may be assembled in any one of a number of different configurations to form a miniaturized playhouse and then the full-sized playhouse may be constructed following the pattern developed in the design and assembly of the miniaturized playhouse. Thus, the child is able to plan and design the full-sized playhouse by building the miniaturized playhouse using the smaller and easier to handle miniaturized panels.

The present invention may therefore be sold as a kit which comprises a plurality of miniaturized first panels and a plurality of full-sized second panels, where the first and second panels are substantially identical in shape and number. The kit of the present invention may further include a set of drawings illustrating the various configurations that each of the first and second panels may be constructed into.

In addition to using the miniaturized playhouse for planning purposes, this playhouse may be used independently as a doll-house.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child's playhouse in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a set of panel blanks for the playhouse laid out flat before individual panels are detached therefrom for assembly of the playhouse;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a single wall panel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the wall panel of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the playhouse showing the method of assembly thereof;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the partially assembled panels taken through line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternatively configured playhouse which utilizes a plurality of sets of panel blanks in the construction thereof;

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of two differently configured free-standing walls constructed using the panel blanks shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a illustration of a set of miniaturized panels blanks in accordance with the present invention and comprising a plurality of miniaturized panels therein, together with a miniaturized playhouse built from those miniaturized panels;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a kit in accordance with the present invention comprising a set of full-sized panel blanks for building the full-sized playhouse and a set of miniaturized panel blanks for building the miniaturized playhouse, with both blanks laid out flat before assembly;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of both of a child's full-sized playhouse and a miniaturized playhouse built from the kit shown in FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternatively configured child's full-sized playhouse and a miniaturized playhouse built utilizing additional sets of full-sized and miniaturized panel blanks.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, there is shown a playhouse in accordance with the present invention, generally indicated at 10. Playhouse 10 is comprised of a plurality of individual panels that are interlocked with each other in any one of a variety of different arrangements to create any one of a number of differently designed and configured playhouses 10. Playhouse 10 may be deconstructed and rebuilt into differently configured arrangements as desired.

Each panel used in playhouse 10 is comprised of any suitable sheet material. In particular, the panels are comprised of corrugated cardboard, a foam material such as EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), plastic, wood or any other material that is relatively strong and lightweight. If cardboard is selected for the manufacture of the panels, for example, that cardboard should be sufficiently thick enough to take the forces involved in assembling and disassembling playhouse 10. Additionally, if cardboard is selected for the manufacture of the panels, it preferably will be of a type and/or color which will permit a child to draw or paint on the same. If EVA foam material is used for the manufacture of the panels for playhouse 10, then the foam may be of a single solid color or each of the front and back surfaces of the panel may be differently colored, or the foam material can be multicolored or have some type of design applied to the front and back surfaces thereof.

During manufacture, a plurality of differently configured panels is preferably die-cut into a blank, such as blanks 12 a, 12 b, 12 c illustrated in FIG. 2.

The panels are then separated from the blank by a child or by an adult to form individual pieces which are subsequently utilized in a variety of different orders to construct playhouse 10. It will be understood that instead of die-cutting a blank 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and then separating out the panels therefrom, each panel may be separately manufactured.

As indicated previously and in accordance with the present invention, playhouse 10 is made up from several differently configured panels. These include foundation panels 14, wall panels 16, first apertured panels 18, second apertured panels 20, third apertured panels 22, fourth apertured panels 24, and roof panels 26. Blanks 12 a-12 c may be die-cut to include only one type of panel, such as roof panel 26, or may include a combination of the differently configured panels 14-26. FIG. 2 illustrates three differently configured blanks 12 a-12 c. It will be understood that panels 12 a-12 c shown in FIG. 2 are by way of example only and that other differently configured panels also fall within the scope of the present invention. Panels 14-26 or blanks 12 a-12 c may be sold individually or may be grouped together to form basic kits which can then be sold to consumers. Consequently, a person interested in constructing a playhouse 10 in accordance with the present invention may purchase any combination of the kits and individual blanks or panels necessary for that construction.

Referring to FIG. 2, first blank 12 a includes a foundation panel 14, a plurality of wall panels 16, a pair of first apertured panels 18, and a second apertured panel 20. Second blank 12 b includes a foundation panel 14, a plurality of wall panels 16, a pair of third apertured panels 22, a fourth apertured panel 24, and a second apertured panel 20. Third blank 12 c comprises a roof panel 26 and a plurality of connector panels 27. It will be understood that one or all of first blank 12 a, second blank 12 b, and third blank 12 c can be combined to form a single large blank. The first, second and third blanks 12 a-12 c are illustrated by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the invention to the specific configuration illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 3 & 4, and in accordance with the present invention, there is shown a wall panel 16 that is illustrative of how each of the panels 14-26 is constructed. Wall panel 16 is generally rectangular in shape and has a front surface 28, a rear surface 18, a top side 32, a bottom side 34, a left end 36, and a right end 38. It should be understood that the words “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “left” and “right” are used to describe wall panel 16 as illustrated in the figures and are not meant to describe the orientation of wall panel 16 as it is used in the construction of playhouse 10. Since wall panel 16 is substantially symmetrical and identical when viewed from either the front or back, it can be utilized in playhouse 10 in any desired orientation. Wall panel 16 has a height “H”, a length “L”, and a thickness “T”. Preferably, height “H” is 10.5″, length “L” is 39″ and the thickness “T” is 1″. The corners 42 preferably are rounded so as to present edges that are less likely to injure children playing in playhouse 10. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, corners 42 each have a radius of curvature of 0.75″.

In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, wall panel 16 is provided with slits 40 that are used to enable panels 14-26 to be engaged with each other. Wall panel 16 includes a pair of spaced apart slits 40 a, 40 b (FIG. 3) in top side 32 and a pair of spaced apart slits 40 c, 40 d in bottom side 34. Slit 40 a is aligned with slit 40 c and slit 40 b is aligned with slit 40 d. Slit 40 a is disposed a distance of 2.625″ from left end 36 and is a depth of 2.625″ from top side 32. The width of slit 40 a is 1.125″. Each slit 40 a-40 d is substantially identical and extends between front and back surfaces 28, 30 and extends inwardly into the interior of wall panel 16 from the respective one of top and bottom sides 32, 34. Apart from slits 40 a-40 d, wall panel 16 is free of apertures. Rounded corners 42 b (FIG. 3) preferably are formed adjacent the entry to each slit 40. The curved configuration of these corners 42 b helps to guide panels into engagement with each other and ensures a snug fit between the engaged panels. Corners 42 b may be ninety degree corners but such a configuration will tend to resist engagement of the panels and make it more difficult to assembly playhouse 10. It will be understood that the dimensions provided above are by way of example only and that differently dimensioned panels and slits can be utilized in playhouse 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, each of first apertured panel 18, second apertured panel 20, third apertured panel 22 and fourth apertured panel 24 is substantially identical in size and configuration to wall panel 16 and include slits 40 a-40 d therein. However, each of the first, second, third and fourth apertured panels 18-24 further includes apertures which are defined therein, as will be hereinafter described.

First apertured panel 18 defines one or more generally semi-circular apertures 44 (FIG. 2) therein which extend from front surface 28 to back surface 30 of the panel. Aperture 44 originates in one or the other of top side 32 and bottom side 34 of the panel and extends for a distance into the interior thereof. FIG. 2 shows two such apertures 44 formed in each first apertured panel 18. Preferably, each aperture 44 originates about 6.5″ inwardly from one of the left and right ends 36, 38 and is around 11.75″ in diameter. Consequently, the innermost region 44 a of aperture 44 is approximately 5.675″ from the associated one of the top or bottom sides 32, 34 and about 4.625″ from the other of the top or bottom sides 32, 34. As shown in FIG. 2, two of the first apertured panels 18 oriented in side-to-side relationship form a combined circular hole that is around 11.75″ in diameter. As will be understood, the number of apertures 44, the dimensions of apertures 44 and their spacing from the various surfaces of first apertured panel 18 and from each other may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Second apertured panel 20 defines one or more apertures 46 therein. Each aperture 46 extends from front surface 28 through to back surface 30 and is generally circular in shape. In the example shown, second apertured panel 20 defines three apertures 46 a, 46 b, and 46 c therein which are spaced at intervals along the length “L” of panel 20. Each aperture 46 is 6.5″ in diameter, is spaced a distance of 2″ from top side 32 and a distance of 2″ from bottom side 34. The two end apertures 46 a, 46 c are each spaced a distance of 6.5″ from the associated one of the left and right ends 36, 38 of panel 20. The middle aperture 46 b is spaced a distance of 3.25″ from each of the end apertures 46 a, 46 c. It should be understood that second apertured panel 20 may include only a single aperture 46, or two apertures, or more than three apertures. As will be understood, the dimensions of apertures 46 and their spacing from the various surfaces of panel 20 and from each other may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. Apertures 44, 46 are provided to act as windows or small passages in playhouse. Consequently, the size of apertures 44, 46 utilized in first and second apertured panels 18, 20 is selected so as to be either too small or two big for children to get their heads stuck in the same. This is especially important if the material used to construct playhouse 10 is rigid in nature.

Third apertured panel 22 defines one generally semi-circular aperture 48 therein which extend from front surface 28 to back surface 30 of the panel. Aperture 48 originates in one or the other of top side 32 and bottom side 34 of the panel 22 and extends for a distance into the interior thereof. FIG. 2 shows that aperture 48 originates more than 8.5″ inwardly from each of the left and right ends 36, 38 of panel 22 and the innermost region 48 a of aperture 48 is approximately 4.625″ from the other of the top or bottom sides 32, 34. Essentially, aperture 48 forms about a top third of a circle which has a diameter of around 22″.

Fourth apertured panel 24 includes an aperture 50 that is configured to form a central region of a circle when two third apertured panels 22 are disposed on either side of fourth apertured panel 24 in the manner shown in FIG. 2. Aperture 50 is spaced a distance of 8.5″ inwardly from each of the left and right ends 36, 38 of panel 24. When fourth apertured panel 24 is arranged with two third apertured panels 22 as shown in FIG. 2, the circular hole formed by apertures 48 and 50 is about 22″ in diameter. As will be understood, the dimensions of apertures 48, 50 and their spacing from the various surfaces of third and fourth apertured panels 22, 24 may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Foundation panel 14 essentially comprises a top half of wall panel 16. As such, foundation panel 14 has a front surface 52, a back surface (not shown), a top side 54, a bottom side 56, a left end 58 and a right end 60. Foundation panel 14 has a height “H2” (FIG. 2) that is 5.25″ as measured between top and bottom sides 54, 56. Foundation panel 14 is of the same length as the length “L” of wall panel 16 and is also of the same thickness “T” as wall panel 16. A pair of spaced-apart slits 62 a, 62 b is defined in top side 54, but bottom side 56 of foundation panel 14 is free of slits. Slits 62 a, 62 b are located and dimensioned substantially identically with slits 40 a, 40 b, respectively.

Finally, roof panel 26 is a substantially rectangular panel having a front surface 64, a back surface 65 (FIG. 1), a top side 66, a bottom side 68, a left end 70 and a right end 72. Roof panel 26 has a length of 52″ as measured between left and right ends 70, 72. Roof panel 26 has a length as measured between top and bottom sides 66, 68 that is substantially identical to length “L” of wall panel 16, i.e. 39″. Furthermore roof panel 26 is of a thickness that is identical to thickness “T”. Slits 74 are defined in left and right ends 70, 72 but could alternatively be defined in top and bottom sides 66, 68 if roof panel is to be different engaged with the playhouse walls. Slits 74 are sized substantially the same as slits 40 a-40 d in wall panel 16.

Roof panel 26 includes three fold lines 76 a, 76 b, 76 c which preferably extend from top side 66 to bottom side 68 of panel 26. Middle fold line 76 b is spaced along a midline of roof panel 26 and is disposed at a distance of 26″ from each of the left and right ends 70, 72. The other two fold lines 76 a, 76 c are each spaced a distance of 5.25″ from one or the other of the left and right ends 70, 72.

In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, fold lines 76 a, 76 b, 76 c on roof panel 26 comprise regions that preferably are thinner than the rest of roof panel 26. (These thinner regions are not illustrated in the attached figures.) In the EVA foam version of the panel; these thinner regions will be less than 1″ in thickness. The thinner regions act as living hinges and enable roof panel 26 to be reconfigured from a planar shape to an inverted V″ shape by folding the panel 26 along fold lines 76 a, 76 b, 76 c prior to engagement with the playhouse walls. It will be understood that if a material other than EVA is used for playhouse 10, instead of providing roof panels 26 that are manufactured with thinner regions along fold lines 76 a, 76 b, 76 c, roof panel 26 may, instead, be scored along fold lines 76 a-76 c, or the builder may be instructed to score the roof panel 26 therealong prior to initial construction of playhouse 10.

As indicated previously, third blank 12 c (FIG. 2) also includes several connector panels 27. Two differently shaped connector panels 27 are shown in this figure, namely first connector panels 27 a and second connector panels 27 b. First connector panel 27 a is smaller than second connector panel 27 b and includes a single slit 63 therein. Slit 63 originates in one of the side edges of first connector panel 27 a and extends inwardly toward the opposite side edge thereof. Second connector panel 27 b includes two slits 63, each of which originates in one of the side edges thereof and extends toward the opposite side edge. The slits 63 in second connector panels 27 b preferably are aligned with each other. First and second connector panels 27 a, 27 b are utilized in the construction of free-standing walls using combinations of the other panels found on the first and second blanks 12 a, 12 b, as will be described later herein.

Referring to FIGS. 5 & 6, playhouse 10 is constructed in the following manner. Bottom side 56 of a first foundation panel 14 a is placed on a level ground surface 78 so that first foundation panel 14 a is standing vertically upon the bottom end 56 thereof on ground surface 78. In a similar fashion, a second foundation panel 14 b is placed on ground surface 78 a spaced distance from the first foundation panel 14 a. The left ends (not shown) of the two foundation panels 14 a, 14 b are aligned with each other and the right ends 60 of the two foundation panels 14 a, 14 b are aligned with each other. A third apertured panel 22 a is then interlockingly engaged with the two spaced apart foundation panels 14 a, 14 b. This is accomplished by orienting third apertured panel 22 a at ninety degrees relative to foundation panels 14 a, 14 b. Third apertured panel 22 a is moved downwardly in the direction of arrow “A” toward foundation panels 14 a, 14 b until slit 40 c of panel 22 a slides into slit 62 b of first foundation panel 14 a, and slit 40 d of panel 22 a slides into slit 62 b of second foundation panel 14 b. Third apertured panel 22 a is pushed downwardly until bottom side 34 thereof contacts ground surface 78. A first wall panel 16 a is then engaged with first and second foundation panels 14 a, 14 b in the same manner but in a position opposite third apertured panel 22 a. This is done by orienting first wall panel 16 a at ninety degrees relative to the two foundation panels 14 a, 14 b and parallel to third apertured panel 22 a. First wall panel 16 a is moved downwardly in the direction of arrow “A” until slit 40 c of first wall panel 16 a slides into slit 62 a of first foundation panel 14 a, and slit 40 d (not visible in this figure) of first wall panel 16 a slides into slit 62 a (not shown) of second foundation panel 14 b. First wall panel 16 a is moved downwardly until its bottom side 34 contacts ground surface 78. At this point, the base layer of playhouse 10 is constructed and is generally square when viewed from the top. As will be evident from FIG. 5, the upper halves of third apertured panel 22 a and first wall panel 16 a extend upwardly beyond the top sides 54 of foundation panels 14 a, 14 b.

A second layer of panels is then engaged with the base layer. The second layer, as illustrated in FIG. 5, includes a second and third wall panel 16 b, 16 c a fourth apertured panel 24 (provided in two sections) and a first apertured panel 18 a. Second wall panel 16 b is oriented so as to be disposed vertically above foundation panel 14 a and to extend between third apertured panel 22 a and first wall panel 16 a. Second wall panel 16 b is moved downwardly in the direction of arrow “A” until slit 40 c in second wall panel 16 b slides into slit 40 a of first wall panel 16 a and slit 40 d in second wall panel 16 b slides into slit 40 a of third apertured panel 22 a. Second wall panel 16 b is pushed downwardly in the direction of arrow “A” until its bottom side 34 abuts top side 54 of foundation panel 14 a. Third wall panel 16 c is installed between third apertured panel 22 a and first wall panel 16 a in a similar fashion with the slits in third wall panel 16 c sliding into the slits in third apertured panel 22 a. Third wall panel 16 c is pushed downwardly until its bottom side (not numbered) abuts the top side 54 of second foundation panel 14 b.

Fourth apertured panel 24 is then engaged with second and third wall panels 16 b, 16 c. Since fourth apertured panel 24 is essentially in two sections, each section thereof is engaged with one of the second and third wall panels 16 b, 16 c. Each section is oriented so as to be disposed at right angles to the respective one of the second and third wall panels 16 b, 16 c and is pushed downwardly in the direction of arrow “A” until the slit in the bottom side of the section slides into the slit in the top side of the respective one of the second and third wall panels 16 b, 16 c. The section is then pushed downwardly in the direction of arrow “A” until its bottom side abuts the top side of third apertured panel 22 a. The second apertured panel 18 a is engaged with second and third wall panels 16 b, 16 c in a similar fashion by orienting it at right angles to the wall panels 16 b, 16 c, moving it downwardly in the direction of arrow “A” until the slits in the bottom side of second apertured panel 18 a enter the slits in the top side of second and third wall panels 16 b, 16 c, and then continuing the downward movement until the bottom side of second apertured panel 18 a abuts the top side of the second and third wall panels 16 b, 16 c. At this stage, the second layer of the playhouse walls is completed.

A third layer of panels is then engaged with the second layer thereof in the same fashion. FIG. 5 shows that the third layer includes a pair of second apertured panels 20 a, 20 b, a first apertured panel 18 b and a third apertured panel 22 b. Once these four panels have been engaged with the second layer, the front wall 82, the side walls 80 and the back wall 81 of the playhouse 10 are complete.

Finally, roof panel 26 is engaged with the uppermost layer of panels 16-24 that form side walls 80, front wall 82 and back wall 81. Roof panel 26 preferably is folded along fold lines 76 a, 76 b, and 76 c before engagement with the walls. The folded roof panel 26 assumes the inverted V-shaped profile shown in FIG. 1. Fold line 76 b forms the peak 84 of roof 85 and fold lines 76 a, 76 b form edges 86 of roof 85. When roof panel 26 is folded it forms two sloped panel sections 83 and two vertical wall sections 88. Wall sections 88 extend downwardly from the edges 86 which are disposed along first and third fold lines 76 a, 76 c. Roof panel 26 will only engage two of the four walls. FIG. 5 shows roof panel 26 positioned to engage the constructed front and back walls 82, 81. Wall sections 88 extend downwardly toward the top sides of each of front and back walls 82, 81. Wall sections 88 include slits 74 which are aligned with slits 40 in the top sides of the third apertured panel 22 b and first apertured panel 18 b. The folded roof panel 26 is moved downwardly in the direction of arrow “A” until slits 74 of roof panel 26 slide into slits 40 of panels 22 b, 18 b. Roof panel 26 is moved downwardly until the left and right ends 70, 72 thereof abut the top sides of panels 20 a, 20 b. At this point, roof panel 26 is firmly interlocked with walls 82, 81 and forms roof 85 of playhouse 10. Playhouse 10 is completed and is ready for use. Roof 85, walls 80, 81, 82 and ground surface 78 define an interior chamber 11 in which the child can play.

It should be noted that the panels 14-24 used to construct walls 80, 81, 82 are selected and ordered in a manner consistent with the desired end design of playhouse 10 as conceived by the builder thereof. Consequently, each layer of the playhouse walls is formed by selecting the four desired panels and engaging them with the layer beneath them in accordance with the design. Thus, it will be understood that the configuration of each wall 80, 81, 82 illustrated in FIG. 5 is by way of example only. It will also be understood that any number of desired layers of panels may be utilized to build side walls 80, back wall 81 and front wall 82 of playhouse 10 to a height selected by the builder. First apertured panels, such as panels 18 a, 18 b and second apertured panels, such as panels 20 a, 20 b are incorporated into walls 80, 81, 82 so that the apertures 44, 46 therein act as either windows or small passageways in playhouse 10. Third and fourth apertured panels, such as panels 22 a, 22 b and 24, are incorporated into walls 80, 81, 82 to create a doorway through which children can enter and exit interior chamber 11 of playhouse.

Should it be decided later on that a differently configured playhouse is desirable, playhouse 10 is easily deconstructed in the following manner. Roof 85 is lifted of playhouse by applying pressure to its underside (front 64) so that roof panel 26 moves in the opposite direction to arrow “A” in FIG. 5. Then, each of the uppermost layer of panels, namely panels 18 b, 22 b, 20 a, 20 b are disengaged in sequence from the layer of panels beneath them by pulling them upwardly in the opposite direction of arrow “A”. If it is desired to simply change the upper end of playhouse 10, or to change the location of the “windows” or “doorway”, the builder can begin to reconstruct the playhouse at any point or can continue to completely disassemble the playhouse and then rebuild it from scratch. Since playhouse 10 is readily and easily constructed and broken down, it is easy for a parent to set the playhouse up for play and then break it down and store the panels when play is over.

FIG. 7 shows a modular playhouse 200 which is constructed out of a plurality of sets of blanks 12 a-12 c so that it includes multiple playhouses 110 a, 110 b, 110 c that are stacked and interlocked together in an aesthetically pleasing design. In this instance, each of the playhouses 110 b, 110 c is constructed in the same manner as playhouse 10. A connector wall panel 116 c is then utilized to extend between the uppermost wall panel 116 d on playhouse 110 b and uppermost wall panel 116 e on playhouse 110 c. The slits on the bottom side of the connector wall panel 116 c will engage in the appropriate slit in wall panels 116 c, 116 d. Although not shown in this figure, a second connector wall panel similar to wall panel 116 c extends between the back ends of wall panels 116 c, 116 d. The two connector wall panels 116 c join playhouses 110 b and 110 c together and form a base layer for playhouse 110 a. Playhouse 110 a is then constructed on the base layer in the same manner as previously described with reference to playhouse 10. Essentially, connector wall panels 116 c perform the same function as foundation panels 14 in playhouse 10. Connector wall panels 116 c may be configured substantially identically to wall panel 16 or may be provided with additional slits in their bottom sides so as to be able to engage the top sides of the wall panels 116 d, 116 e in different locations to where the roof 182 b, 182 c will engage panels 116 d, 116 e.

It will be understood that other components may also be provided as part of playhouses 10, 200. The other components could include floors that are interlockingly engaged with panels 14-24 in substantially the same manner as roof panel 26, i.e. with wall sections that are folded to extend downwardly or upwardly to engage slits in the bottom sides or top sides of the panels that form the layer to which the floor is to be attached.

It will also be understood that the various apertures in panels 18-24 may be differently configured from the way they are shown in the attached figures. For example, apertures 44, 46, 48, 50 can be shaped so that playhouse has square or rectangular windows and/or doors. Alternatively, the apertures can be shaped in other decorative ways so that they have the appearance of stars, or rockets, or animals or any other desired design. Additionally, these various apertures may be cut out of the panels at the time of manufacture or the panels may simply be formed with lines of weakness therein so that the builder of the playhouse can remove material from within the lines of weakness if and when desired.

It will also be understood that although panels 14-26 illustrated and described herein are rectangular in shape, other shapes could also be utilized. Suitable shapes could include a square, parallelogram, trapezoid, trapezium, etc. Additionally, the panels could also have an irregularly shaped top and bottom side provided that the top and bottom sides of the panels that will be engaged therewith are configured to be complementary thereto. So, for example, both of the top and bottom sides could be sinusoidal and complementary, or the top and bottom sides could be manufactured so that there is an interlocking complementary pattern on substantially all of the panels used to form the major portions of the wall sections of the playhouse.

Additionally, it will be understood that while playhouse 10 has been illustrated and described herein as being square when viewed from above, the panels could be configured so that other shaped playhouses could be constructed therefrom. For instance, the slits could be cut at an angle other than at ninety degrees relative to the front and back surfaces of the panel, so that the panels could be joined together at an angle other than ninety degrees relative to each other. This would allow playhouses in the forms of octagons and the like to be constructed therefrom.

FIG. 8 shows a free-standing wall 311 a constructed from foundation panels 14, wall panels 16, a second apertured panel 20, third apertured panels 22, a fourth apertured panel 24, and first and second connector panels 27 a, 27 b. One end of a first foundation panel 14 is engaged with a second connector panel 27 b and the other end of that first foundation panel 14 is interlocked with a first one of the third apertured panels 22. The free end of the first one of the third apertured panels 22 is engaged with a first connector panel 27 a. The first and second connector panels 27 a, 27 b are interlocked with the first foundation panel 14 and third apertured panel 22 in such a way that the connector panels are disposed at right angles to the panels with which they are engaged. These first and second connector panels 27 a, 27 b support the free ends of the foundation panel 14 and third apertured panel 22. A second connector 27 b is engaged with the free end of the third apertured panel 22. A free end of a wall panel 16 is then secured to the second connector panel 27 b which extends upwardly from foundation panel 14, and the other end of wall panel 16 is interlocking engaged with the third apertured panel 22 and with a fourth aperture-panel 24. The free end of the fourth apertured panel 24 is interlockingly engaged with the second connector panel 27 b extending upwardly from the third apertured panel 22, and so on. In the end, a V-shaped free standing wall is constructed by engaging the various wall panels 14, 16, 20, 22, and 24 together and securing the ends of those various wall panels by using the second connector panels 27 b. An additional first connector panel 27 a is engaged at the top of the second apertured panel 22 as illustrated to make the construction of the free-standing wall 311 a uniform in appearance and therefore more aesthetically appealing.

FIG. 8 also shows the construction of a planar free-standing wall 311 b. In this instance a first pair of first connector panels 27 a is interlockingly engaged with the bottom side of the lower wall panel 16. A first pair of second connector panels 27 b is then interlockingly engaged with the top side of the lower wall panel 16. A second apertured panel 22 is interlockingly engaged with the first pair of second connector panels 27 b. A second pair of second connector panels 27 b is then interlockingly engaged with the top side of the second apertured panel 22. A bottom side of an upper wall panel 16 is interlocking engaged with the second pair of second connector panels 27 b. Finally, a second pair of first connector panels 27 a is interlockingly engaged with the top side of the upper wall panel 16.

It will be understood that free standing walls 311 a, 311 b may be constructed to a desirable height utilizing a number of different wall panels of choice. It is desirable that such free standing walls 311 a, 311 b preferably are not more than four or five panels in overall height simply because beyond that height they become less stable and more likely to fall over during play. It will also be understood that free standing wall 311 a may be made in a zig-zag pattern and be of any desired length, with the connector panels 27 a, 27 b only being used on the outermost banks of panels to connect the free ends of those outermost banks of panels to each other. The free standing wall 311 b on the other hand will only be able to be constructed to be one panel long in length. It will be understood that connector panels 27 a, 27 b may be differently shaped from the connector panels shown herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows miniaturized panel blanks 412 a, 412 b and 412 c which include miniaturized panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426 and 427. The figure also shows a miniaturized playhouse 410 constructed from the blanks 412 a, 412 b, and 412 c. The configuration of each of the miniaturized panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426 and 427 is substantially identical to that of panels 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 and, as such, it will be understood that the description of the larger panels provided previously herein applies equally to these miniaturized panels. Additionally, these miniaturized panels are assembled in the same manner as the larger versions thereof and so no further description relating thereto will be provided herein.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a kit 400 (FIG. 10) is provided comprising a full-sized set of first, second and third panels blanks 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and a miniaturized set of first, second and third panel blanks 412 a, 412 b, 412 c. In particular, the full-sized set and miniaturized set are substantially identical in all relevant features save size. The kit 400 is used by first separating and then assembling the miniaturized set of panel blanks 412 a, 412 b, and 412 c; and then planning the full-sized playhouse 10 by assembling the desired miniaturized version of the playhouse. This methodology enables a child to conceive and plan the full-size playhouse they wish to build by manipulating the miniaturized panels and seeing the completed end result in playhouse 410, for example, before they have to manipulate the larger panels to build playhouse 10. Once the desired configuration of playhouse 410 has been achieved, the child is able to use playhouse 410 as a pattern for constructing playhouse 10 in the manner previously described herein. FIG. 11 shows the miniaturized playhouse 410 alongside the full-sized playhouse 10. FIG. 12 shows an alternatively configured miniaturized playhouse 500 alongside a full-sized identically configured full-size playhouse 200 built from built from kits (not shown) containing multiple sets of miniaturized blanks and multiple sets of full-sized blanks.

It will be understood that either of the miniaturized versions of the playhouse, 410, and 500 may be played with as a dollhouse for toys, independent of the full-sized playhouses 10, 200. So, if the child does not wish to personally play inside playhouse 10 or 200, they are still able to plan, build and play with playhouse 410 or 500 as a dollhouse.

It will be further understood that when the child no longer wishes to play with either of the full-sized or miniaturized versions of the playhouse, they are able to disassemble the same, stack the individual panels, and then place the same in a container of some nature for play at another time.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 

1. A panel for use in a modular playhouse, said panel including: a front surface; a back surface; a top side extending between the front and back surfaces; a bottom side extending between the front and back surfaces and opposite the top side; a left end extending between the top and bottom sides; a right end extending between the top and bottom sides and opposite the left end; and a first slit defined in the top side of the panel, wherein the first slit extends downwardly into an interior of the panel and between the front and back surfaces thereof; and wherein the first slit is adapted to interlockingly engage with a lower region of a second panel disposed above the panel.
 2. The panel as defined in claim 1, further comprising a second slit defined in the bottom side of the panel, wherein the second slit extends upwardly into the interior of the panel; and wherein the second slit is adapted to interlocking engage with an upper region of a third panel disposed below the panel.
 3. The panel as defined in claim 2, wherein the first and second slits are aligned with each other.
 4. The panel as defined in claim 1, further comprising an additional first slit defined in the top side of the panel and spaced from the first slit to form a pair of spaced apart first slits, wherein the additional first slit extends downwardly into an interior of the panel and between the front and back surfaces thereof; and wherein the additional first slit is adapted to interlockingly engage with the lower region of the second panel disposed above the panel a spaced distance from the first slit.
 5. The panel as defined in claim 4, further comprising an additional second slit defined in the bottom side of the panel and spaced from the second slit to form a pair of second slits; wherein the additional second slit extends upwardly into the interior of the panel; and the additional second slit is adapted to interlocking engage with the upper region of the third panel disposed below the panel.
 6. The panel as defined in claim 5, further comprising an aperture defined in the panel, said aperture extending between the front and back surfaces and spaced a distance inwardly from the left and right ends thereof.
 7. The panel as defined in claim 6, wherein said aperture is additionally spaced a distance inwardly from the top and bottom sides of the panel.
 8. The panel as defined in claim 5, wherein said aperture is spaced a distance from one of the top and bottom sides of the panel and wherein a region of the panel which defines the aperture is substantially continuous with the other of the top and bottom sides of the panel.
 9. The panel as defined in claim 5, further comprising: a first fold line extending between the left and right ends of the panel and positioned generally midway between the top and bottom sides of the panel; a second fold line extending between the left and right ends of the panel and positioned intermediate the first fold line and the top side of the panel; and a third fold line extending between the left and right sides of the panel and positioned intermediate the first fold line and the bottom side of the panel; and wherein the panel is foldable about the first, second and third fold lines to form a generally V-shaped member.
 10. The panel as defined in claim 9, wherein the pair of first slits is defined between the second fold line and the top side of the panel; and the pair of second slits is defined between the third fold line and the bottom side of the panel.
 11. A child's playhouse comprising: a front wall; a back wall disposed opposite the front wall; a first side wall extending between the front and back walls; a second side wall extending between the front and back walls; and disposed opposite the first side wall, and wherein each of the front and back walls; and first and second side walls is constructed of a plurality of panels that are releasably engaged with each other; and wherein each of the panels comprises: a front surface; a back surface; a top side extending between the front and back surfaces; a bottom side extending between the front and back surfaces and opposite the top side; a left end extending between the top and bottom sides; a right end extending between the top and bottom sides and opposite the left end; and a pair of spaced apart first slits defined in the top side of the panel, wherein each first slit extends downwardly into an interior of the panel and between the front and back surfaces thereof; and wherein the first slits interlockingly engage with a lower region of a second panel disposed above the panel; and wherein the second panel is disposed generally at right angles to the panel.
 12. The playhouse as defined in claim 11, wherein at least one of the panels further comprises a pair of spaced apart second slits defined in the bottom side of the at least one panel, wherein each second slit extends upwardly into the interior of the at least one panel; and wherein the second slits interlocking engage with an upper region of a third panel disposed below the at least one panel; and wherein the third panel is disposed generally at right angles to the at least one panel.
 13. The playhouse as defined in claim 12, wherein a first one of the pair of first slits is aligned with a first one of the pair of second slits, and a second one of the pair of the first slits is aligned with a second one of the pair of second slits.
 14. The playhouse as defined in claim 11, further comprising an aperture defined in the panel, said aperture extending between the front and back surfaces of the panel and spaced a distance inwardly from the left and right ends thereof.
 15. The playhouse as defined in claim 14, wherein said aperture is additionally spaced a distance inwardly from the top and bottom sides of the panel.
 16. The playhouse as defined in claim 14, wherein said aperture is spaced a distance from one of the top and bottom sides of the panel; and wherein a region of the panel is substantially continuous with the other of the top and bottom sides thereof.
 17. The playhouse as defined in claim 11, further comprising a roof that is releasably engageable with the front and back walls or with the first and second side walls, and wherein the roof comprises one of the panels and additionally includes: a first fold line extending between the left and right ends and positioned generally midway between the top and bottom sides of the one panel; a second fold line extending between the left and right ends and positioned intermediate the first fold line and the top side of the one panel; and a third fold line extending between the left and right sides and positioned intermediate the first fold line and the bottom side of the one panel.
 18. A modular playhouse constructed from two or more individual playhouses that are interlockingly engaged together by way of a plurality of interlocking panels; and wherein each of the two or more individual playhouses comprises: a front wall, a back wall disposed opposite the front wall; a first side wall extending between the front and back walls; a second side wall extending between the front and back walls; and disposed opposite the first side wall; and wherein each of the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side walls are constructed of a plurality of panels that are releasably engaged with each other; and wherein each of the panels comprises: a front surface; a back surface; a top side extending between the front and back surfaces; a bottom side extending between the front and back surfaces and opposite the top side; a left end extending between the top and bottom sides; a right end extending between the top and bottom sides and opposite the left end; and a pair of spaced apart first slits defined in the top side of the panel, wherein each first slit extends downwardly into an interior of the panel and between the front and back surfaces thereof; and wherein the first slits interlockingly engage with a lower region of a second panel disposed above the panel and at right angles relative thereto; and wherein at least one of the panels further includes a pair of spaced apart second slits defined in the bottom side thereof and each second slit extends upwardly into the interior of the at least one panel; and wherein the second slits interlocking engage with an upper region of a third panel disposed below the at least one panel; and wherein the third panel is disposed generally at right angles relative thereto.
 19. A kit for building a child's playhouse, said kit comprising: a first full-sized blank, said full-sized blank including a plurality of full-sized panels that are separable therefrom to build a full-sized child's playhouse; and a second miniaturized blank, said miniaturized blank including a plurality of miniaturized panels that are separable therefrom to build a miniaturized playhouse.
 20. A method of assembling a child's playhouse comprising the steps of: building a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall; and engaging a roof therewith; and wherein the step of building the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side walls further includes the steps of: a) positioning a first and second foundation panel onto a ground surface so that a bottom side of each of the first and second foundation panels is in contact with the ground surface; b) positioning a first wall panel so that it will extend between the first and second foundation panels; c) moving the first wall panel downwardly toward the first and second foundation panels so that a first slit on a bottom side of the first wall panel enters a first slit on a top side of the first foundation panel, and a second slit on the bottom side of the first wall panel enters a first slit on a top side of the second foundation panel; d) moving the first wall panel downwardly until no further movement is possible; e) positioning a second wall panel so that it will extend between the first and second foundation panels a spaced distance from the first wall panel; f) moving the second wall panel downwardly toward the first and second foundation panels so that a first slit in a bottom side of the second wall panel enters a second slit in the top side of the first foundation panel, and a second slit on the bottom side of the second wall panel enters a second slit in the top side of the second foundation panel; g) moving the second wall panel downwardly until no further movement is possible; h) repeating steps b) through g) until the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall are of a desired height.
 21. The method as defined in claim 20, further comprising the step of: separating a plurality of miniaturized panels from a miniaturized blank; where the miniaturized panels are substantially identical to the panels used to build the child's playhouse in all ways except size; building a miniaturized playhouse from the miniaturized panels; and then following the pattern of the built miniaturized playhouse to layout and build the child's playhouse. 